SAN JOSE -- San Jose State senior defensive end Travis Johnson is one of 30 candidates for the 2012 Senior CLASS Award.

The award, which represents the acronym Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, recognizes senior players in the Football Bowl Subdivision who have notable achievements in four areas -- community, classroom, character and competition.

Johnson, a product of The Kings Academy-Sunnyvale, leads the Spartans and is tied for second nationally with five sacks. His 24 career sacks make him the NCAA's active leader.

The preseason pick as Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Johnson is on the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Hendricks Award, the Lombardi Award and the Senior Bowl.

Johnson is also a three-time Academic All-WAC pick and an Eagle Scout. The kinesiology major hopes to become a doctor of physical therapy after exploring a professional football career.